Debuted: Ani-Me Con 5.0, 2016

Notes:
I had been wanting to tackle a large armor projects and lucky for me, Riot released Marauder Ashe at the perfect time.

This time around I had learned a lot. I knew how to seal foam and I knew to use a heat gun to better shape and mold it. I also picked up a few tricks to help create some "sharp" edges and bends. I used the duct-tape method to create all the patterns from scratch. I then transfered those onto thick eva foam. I used a Dremel to sand down and smooth out edges and seam and to create the scars/cuts in the armor. I wanted these battle markings for my own little personal touch. I sealed everything with wood glue once it was the shape I needed and painted it with stray paint. After that I used black and white acrylic paint and oil paint to add shadows and highlights. I topped that all off with a glossy coat in order to keep the metallic look. Everything attached with either velcro or elastic.

The bow was made from insulation foam boards. Thanks to some PVC pipes and cardboard it can easily be pulled apart and put back together, allowing for easier traveling. This what my first time making a prop that can be taken a part and put back together easily and I was pretty happy with the results. I have an entire video on how I made her bow.

I didn't make her bodysuit or gloves. Both those were purchased off eBay. I did make the cape. For the cape I layed down on a large sheet of paper and marked my height/how long I need the cape then free-handed the pattern from there. Once the pattern was figured out I transfered it to some velvet fabric I picked out for her and lined it with bias tape and add the fur around the collar.

What was made?
All armor pieces. Bow.

What was bought?
Bodysuit. Shoes.
​

Related Links!

• Bow Time-Lapse
• Cosplay Diary #5
• Cosplay Diary #6

Photographer: Madoka Cosplay & Photography

Reference:

Materials & Cost Breakdown

EVA Foam

Material: 6mm EVA foam
Cost: $10 per roll
Purchased: 2 rolls
​Where: Harbor Freight

Spray Paint

Material: Metallic Grey Spray Paint
Cost: 5 per can
Purchased: 3 cans
Where: Home Depot

Wood Glue

Material: Elmer's Wood Glue
Cost: ​$2 per bottle
Purchased: 5 bottles
Where: Walmart

Hot Glue

Material: Hot Glue Packs
Cost: $5 
Purchased: 2
Where: Walmart

Acrylic Paint

Material: White Acrylic Paint
Cost: $0.89 per bottle
Purchased: 1
Where: Walmart

Insulation Foam

Material: Insulation Foam Board
Cost: $5
Purchased: 4
Where: Home Depot

Transparent Folder

Material: Red Transparent Folder
Cost: $1
Purchased: 4
Where: Dollar Store

Red Fabric

Material: Red Velvet
Cost: $12 per yard
Purchased: 1 yard
Where: Joann's Fabric

Faux Fur

Material: White Faux Fur
Cost: $20 per yard
Purchased: 1/4 yard
Where: Joann's Fabric

Bias Tape

Materials: Red Bias Tape
Cost: $3 per pack
Purchased: 3
Where: Joann's Fabric

Wires

Materials: Wires for Lighting
Cost: $6
Purchased: 1
Where: eBay

Lights

Material: Red LED Light Packs
Cost: $3
Purchased: 1
Where: eBay

Battery Packs

Material: Circle Battery Case
Cost: $3
Purchased: 1
Where: eBay

Switches

Material: Pack of Switches for Electronics
Cost: $5
Purchased: 1
Where: eBay

Gap Filler

Material: Bondo's Gap Filler & Spot Putty
Cost: $6
Purchased: 2
Where: Walmart

Elastic

Material: Elastic
Cost: $5 per roll
Purchased: 1 roll
Where: eBay

Batteries

​Material: Circle Battery Pack
Cost: $5
Purchased: 1 
Where: eBay

Gloves

​Material: Red Long Gloves
Cost: $3
Purchased: 1
Where: eBay

Bodysuit

Material: Red Bodysuit
Cost: $25
Purchased: 1
Where: eBay

Wig

Material: White Short Wig
Cost: $10
Purchased: 1
Where: eBay

PVC Pipe

Material: PVC Pipe
Cost: $2
Purchased: 1
Where: Home Depot

Total Estimated Cost: $185

WIP Photos

Build Time

Shopping: About half a day + few hours of searching online
Pattern Making: 2-3 days
Sewing: 1day
Foam Work: 2-3 weeks
Painting: 1 1/2 weeks

**Days are not a full 24 hours. They're more like "work" days. Meaning for each day, I worked on the cosplay for anywhere from 4-10 hours per day--it's all a rough estimate.

Fun Facts!

First armor build!

• This was my first time doing a full armor build. Sure, I had made armor before but nothing to this extent. ​Before this I had only made a few small armor pieces and didn't really work with a Dremel or heat gun. So this project was a big learning experience! And I definitely learned some useful things--like using thinner foam for around the thighs and upper arms.